I'd like to learn more about how the Democratic and Republican parties function, concretely, at present.
Specifically: how establishment forces (influential donors, party officials, incumbents) influence the rise of candidates (at any level), and how these candidates integrated into the parties activities. I'm particularly interested in the role of
political consultants (in media, fundraising, messaging) - what dynamics are at play as they are hired by candidates, how do these consultants' careers develop, what pressures do they face from the establishment, and what role do they play in shaping the policy positions?
[more inside]
posted by phrontist
on May 8, 2013 -
3 answers
I've looked high and low for a political cartoon that shows a boy asking his father "What is science?" The father replies "I don't know, son, we are Republicans." Can anybody steer me to a link to that cartoon? Thanks.
posted by wsg
on Mar 7, 2013 -
2 answers
A very esoteric question - YoungConservativeFilter, if you will - but CNN obtained a very damning document from James O'Keefe for a 2010 documentary they did. How did they get it? And how did they confirm it was O'Keefe's?
[more inside]
posted by sidi hamet
on Nov 7, 2012 -
3 answers
What is(are) the Republican/conservative/libertarian equivalent(s) of The West Wing ?
[more inside]
posted by Bwithh
on Sep 25, 2012 -
38 answers
I am looking for convincing arguments about why I should vote for a major party candidate for President of the United States. This isn't as direct a question as it sounds.
[more inside]
posted by Invoke
on May 14, 2012 -
31 answers
To help Obama win, do I vote for Santorum or Gingrich? I'm an anarchist/socialist living in Alabama, where crossover voting is permitted. I'm looking for sound logic and effective strategy.
[more inside]
posted by Clay201
on Mar 12, 2012 -
27 answers
I keep reading rumors of Ron Paul supporters sneaking their delegates into state conventions.
How plausible is it that Ron Paul can get the nomination
with this strategy? And if it can't get the nomination, what
can he do with all the extra delegates?
posted by empath
on Feb 16, 2012 -
4 answers
Where did the "America is a republic, not a democracy" argument come from, and how much truth is there to it?
[more inside]
posted by Rhaomi
on Jan 17, 2011 -
30 answers
Where can I buy a decent-sized replica of the flag of the Second Spanish Republic? (image links inside)
[more inside]
posted by parkbench
on Jan 2, 2011 -
1 answer
I’m a resident of Chicago (Cook County, Illinois). I’m very much not a fan of politics, but that lack of enthusiasm doesn’t extend to not voting – I’d still like to make an educated choice when casting my ballot, but without re-engaging in the political blogosphere, etc.. So, could you help me do my due diligence by helping me find websites that would contain the three
particular kinds of information you'll see me describe inside/after the break?
[more inside]
posted by Fizzgig
on Oct 28, 2010 -
5 answers
What responsibility does the Bush administration bear for the current financial crisis?
[more inside]
posted by Lownotes
on Mar 25, 2009 -
28 answers
What are the best -- in terms of compelling writing and in terms of comprehensiveness -- books about the "Troubles" between Ireland and the UK over the past 50 or so years? Bonus points if available on Kindle.
[more inside]
posted by proj
on Dec 14, 2008 -
10 answers
Help! I desperately need to know what percentage of people in NYC are registered as democrats, republicans, and independent. Can anyone find the right link?! I can't find the information on NYC.gov but I have very little time, so I'm skimming. Thank you!
posted by omnigut
on Nov 4, 2008 -
2 answers
PoliSci filter: I was hoping that someone can rationally, without rhetoric, explain to me why the word "Socialism" creates fear and extreme responses in far right-wing people. Soem very detailed specifics within.
[more inside]
posted by arniec
on Oct 14, 2008 -
61 answers
Can a person be an evangelical Christian and still be a political liberal? This may sound like a simple question but I am open to any and all answers...I find my political views excepting a very few far right beliefs all fall far left....do I have my ducks in a row or do these two worlds necessarily conflict....and yes, I am voting for Obama.
posted by snap_dragon
on Sep 24, 2008 -
55 answers
I need to better understand the proposed tax systems. Mainly the fair tax or sales tax versus an income tax. I am writing a paper for school on the viewpoints of TTARA (The Texas Taxpayers and Research Ass.) and CTJ (citizens for tax justice) but cannot gain a clear idea of what each side is proposing. Obviously the republicans want the fair tax, and since TTARA is business minded, I assume they too seek the fair tax, or at least support it. But what is the Dem idea of fair taxation? Do they want an income tax? What is all this talk on CTJ about income tax cuts? I don’t have the patience to sift through all the material so I'm hoping someone can give me a basic idea of the differing positions on the matter. Mainly answer the question of who wants what and why, and who benefits most from each plan.... Also what about the working poor, do they benefit most from an income tax? Etc. Etc.
posted by madmamasmith
on May 4, 2008 -
17 answers
I'm thinking about voting in the Alabama primary. This is something I've never done before. I'm already registered as a voter. I didn't vote in the last election but I did vote in the two (presidential elections) before that. According to UAB's Kaleidescope, I should register by January 25th. Is this the same registration as the last time I registered (for the general elections)? Should I register again? Should I just show up at my voting location? I haven't moved or anything.
[more inside]
posted by robtf3
on Jan 23, 2008 -
3 answers
In light of a recent
mefi post, I'd like to ask a question I've been meaning to ask for a long time.
Where can I find the most thorough indictment of the Bush administration and its activities to date?
[more inside]
posted by Lockeownzj00
on May 14, 2007 -
13 answers
Political filter: Tell me the main differences between republicans, democrats, and liberals. I'm trying to find out where i fall into.
posted by flipmiester99
on Feb 27, 2007 -
38 answers
What are some good online forums to talk about/debate politics on?
posted by Maia
on Nov 11, 2006 -
7 answers
If a political canididate demonstrates that he or she is most definitely not cut out for the job but is running with the political party which you find most inoffensive, what if any options exist?
[more inside]
posted by SinisterPurpose
on Oct 5, 2006 -
18 answers
Whatever happened to this? Seems like a huge story that has dropped completely off the radar. As well, as there a decent, fact-filled, not super-inflammatory, list of 'scandals' involving the current U.S. administration?
posted by Kickstart70
on Jun 27, 2006 -
4 answers
Is there a Republican ex-Senator named Edwards? He was quoted at the end of yesterday's CSPAN Radio's weekend edition Sunday about Porter Goss affair.
[more inside]
posted by destro
on May 8, 2006 -
5 answers
If I lived in a country (mentioning no names, because I'm not sure if it is treason...) that had an unelected head of state, and whos position was based on the family they were born into, how would I go about getting rid of them, in any way other than the obvious one? I'm thinking some kind of political campaign, etc.
posted by Orange Goblin
on Nov 19, 2004 -
30 answers
Can anyone help compile links about Republican politicians, Republican organizations or military brass who are formally endorsing Kerry in '04?
[more inside]
posted by dhoyt
on Nov 2, 2004 -
2 answers
